"Judge ranked 47th out of position players ranked in the Top 100 in (strikeout) rate, at 26.7. Compare him to (Dodgers OF/1B prospect Cody) Bellinger, who was young for his league and is a better athlete, plus a more conventional body. I was on Judge last year in the (Florida State League), but he was pretty bad in Triple-A -- .681 OPS and almost 4-1 K-BB rate. Why should Judge rank so much higher than (Padres OF prospect) Hunter Renfroe? Renfroe has similar athleticism and power, similar swing-and-miss issues, similar athleticism, similar profile, has reached Triple-A and was drafted ahead of Judge in the same draft. I can see liking Judge better; I think he has better feel for hitting than Renfroe. But ultimately I think they'll provide very similar value."

And while we're on the subject of the Yankees in Baseball America's Top 100 list, Manuel also explained the exclusion of the organization's first-round pick of 2016, right-handed starting pitcher James Kaprielian.

"I did include him on my personal Top 100 right around No. 74, as I think I have more belief in his fastball velocity and effectiveness than the rest of the staff. Very good pro debut didn't hurt, and I thought he was the best bet among college starting pitchers in the 2015 draft class as well. That said, he did pitch at 89-91 mph a lot for UCLA in his career, and that was with an extra day or two of rest compared to what he'll get as a pro. There's good reason for skepticism."